Donna Dishman was born to Don and Billie Evans on June 5th, 1947 in Beaumont, Texas. She passed on July 10, 2026 in her home with her husband Archie by her side.

Donna spent many years of her childhood in Maracaibo, Venezuela. She returned to Texas to attend high school at San Marcos Academy and then to the University of Texas.  After her sophomore year, she returned to Maracaibo as a teacher until becoming a flight attendant with PanAm Airlines.

Donna lived to help others.  She combined her love of dogs with a passion for helping people in need. Donna founded Canine Classmates, a non-profit charity that brings large service dogs into the classrooms of 25 local schools.  Having the dogs present helps some of the children overcome their fear and frustrations with reading.  Canine Classmates also brings dogs to the Comal County Courthouse to aid young victims of violence and sexual abuse before and after their court appearances.

During her time in Houston, Donna founded PAWS Houston, whose mission involved providing chronic and terminal patients with visits from their beloved pets.  These visits provided happiness and comfort to those who were suffering and helped some patients to fully recover.

She is survived by her husband Archie, her sister Carol Wood, many beloved cousins, her dogs, and a faithful community of close friends and supporters.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at the McKenna Children's Museum in New Braunfels on Thursday, July 23rd from 5-7pm. An informal visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, July 22 from 5-7pm at Doeppenschmidt funeral home in New Braunfels for those who cannot attend the Celebration of Life or wish to attend both.

In lieu of flowers, Donna's family requests that donations be made to Canine Classmates (https://www.canineclassmates.org/).